Michigan Harvest Gathering Food Drive at LRMC Benefits Local Residents
11/18/2009
As part of the 2009 Michigan Harvest Gathering, a statewide campaign to collect donations for the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s member food banks, Lapeer Regional Medical Center (LRMC) Staff and its employees and volunteers today completed a two-week effort to collect food and funds. LRMC contributed 344 pounds of food and $1,085 in cash to fight hunger in Lapeer County.
LRMC’s efforts are part of the 19th year of the Michigan Harvest Gathering, which used the theme of “Fill Michigan’s Fridge” where donors have the option of making a monetary donation via an interactive site that allows them to choose what food items they wish to donate. LRMC joined forces with the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates, marking the 12th year that the MHA and its member hospitals have served as primary sponsor of the campaign.
“The theme this year of ‘Fill Michigan’s Fridge’ helped encourage all of our staff to help ensure that no Lapeer area resident goes hungry, especially a child,” said LRMC President and CEO Bart Buxton. “In these tough economic times, the Michigan Harvest Gathering gave us another chance to help the Lapeer Area citizens that may be in need.” “Along with the donated food stores, every dollar donated, generates a $14 buying potential through the Michigan Food Bank, which makes the LRMC financial donation have an impact of over $15,000,” Buxton added.
Since its creation in 1991, the Michigan Harvest Gathering has raised about 7.9 million pounds of food and more than $6 million for the Food Bank Council of Michigan. About 13.2 million emergency meals have been provided to those in need via the council’s regional food banks and more than 2,800 local agencies, including soup kitchens, pantries and shelters.
The Michigan Food Bank and local agencies will distribute the contributions of LRMC’s employees and volunteers to Lapeer area families and residents in need. This is the second time in the last year that LRMC has made a substantial donation to local food banks; in July the employees gave a $10,000 donation to the Lapeer Interfaith Church Association.
“As Lapeer’s unemployment rate continues to be significantly higher than the state and nation as a whole, the number of families who need emergency food assistance has grown,” said LRMC food drive Coordinator Jo Bradanini. “Contributions made this fall are important in helping tackle hunger in the Lapeer area year-round.”
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association, based in Lansing, is a state association representing and supporting hospitals, health systems and other health care providers through education, advocacy and communication.
LRMC is a 222-bed acute care hospital at 1375 N. Main Street in Lapeer. LRMC is the primary provider of health care services to Lapeer County and the surrounding area. LRMC, which is dually accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program and the Joint Commission, offers a comprehensive range of specialties and services to meet medical and surgical needs, along with an exceptional team of medical professionals who provide high quality, expert care. LRMC is a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, recognized by Verispan as one of the top Integrated Health Networks in the nation.
